The holiday season is upon us! The Greater Grand Rapids metro area is getting in the spirit with a number of events and celebrations throughout The Rapid’s service area. Enjoy all our community has to offer through the holidays by getting on board. Here’s a few events that offer fun for the whole family:

Art & Culture

Fox Motors Holiday Pops – Don’t miss the Grand Rapids Symphony at DeVos Performance Hall! The Symphony will be joined on stage by the Symphony Chorus and Santa will make a special visit. This event runs December 4-7; tickets start at $18, $5 for full-time students.

How to get to this event: Route 9, 11, 19, 51, Silver Line

UICA’s 26th Annual Holiday Artists’ Market – The 26th annual Holiday Artists’ Market will be held at Steelcase Town Hall. Shop for handcrafted gifts and goods from dozens of regional artists, including jewelry, home goods, fine art, holiday cards, accessories, and toys. Enjoy live music, local food and beverage vendors, and pick up incredible handmade gifts for your friends and family. Takes place Saturday, December 6 from 10:00 am – 7:00 pm and Sunday, December 7 from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm. 6, 11, 13, 19, Silver Line.

How to get to this event: Route 4 & 44

Festival of Lights – Calvary Church’s annual Christmas production will feature the classic story of The Christmas Carol with new staging, a 100+ voice choir, a dramatic cast and more than 200,000 twinkling lights. Tickets: $6-$7.

How to get to this event: Route 14 & 15

HarkUp 2014: Start a Fire – The upbeat musical re-tells the story of Christmas through song and dance with a 100+ member choir, featured vocalists, dancers and a 20-piece big band. Performance days are December 5, 6 & 7 at GRCH’s DeVos Center for Arts & Worship.

How to get to this event: Route 2 & 24

Annual Barbershop Harmony Holiday Show – This musical event takes place at St. Cecilia Music Society on December 6 and features the Great Lakes Chorus with special guests The Sweet Adelines chorus.

How to get to this event: Route 4, 6, 14, 15, 60, Silver Line

Trans-Siberian Orchestra – The symphonic rock group best known for progressive interpretations of favorite Christmas carols is back again at Van Andel Arena on December 7 with “The Christmas Attic.” Performance times: 3 & 7:30 p.m.

How to get to this event: Route 1, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 14, 15, 19, 50, Silver Line

The Nutcracker – The Grand Rapids Ballet Company presents this completely re-invented production that will showcase the creative vision of ‘Polar Express’ author Chris Van Allsburg and set designs by Tony Award winner Eugene Lee. Opens December 12 at DeVos Hall; tickets start at about $23.Tickets start at $34.

How to get to this event: Route 9, 11, 19, Silver Line

Lessons and Carols – The Grand Rapids Choir of Men & Boys presents its Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols based on the King James version of the Bible December 13, 14 & 19 at the Cathedral of St. Andrew in downtown Grand Rapids. NOTE: This is a free event!

How to get to this event: Route 1, 3, 5, Silver Line

Schubert Male Chorus Annual Christmas Concert – The Grand Rapids choral group will perform their annual holiday concert with the theme “Home for the Holidays” on December 13 at the East Grand Rapids High School Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $18 in advance.

How to get to this event: Route 6

Gaither Christmas Homecoming – Multi-Grammy Award winner Bill Gaither presents the holiday spectacular December 13 at Van Andel Arena with the very best in Christian music and special guest vocalists and groups. Tickets: $23.50 and up.

How to get to this event: Route 1, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 14, 15, 19, 50, Silver Line

Edelweiss Christmas Concert – Joined by Ein Prosit Band, the Edelweiss Choir performs their annual holiday concert with German and Austrian Christmas music, authentic costumes and traditional carols. The concert takes places on December 21 at St. Mary’s on First NW.

How to get to this event: Route 7, 9, 51

Christmas Swing and Ballroom dance at DeVos Place – On December 23, the largest swing dance group in the world is hosting a very special swing and ballroom dance in the Grand Gallery of DeVos Place! Come for a night of dancing with hundreds of other dancers in a fun Christmas event. This is one of the largest dances in the area and sure to be a Christmas hit. Lessons @ 7PM. Cost $10.00

How to get to this event: Route 7, 9, 11, 12, 19, 50

Outdoor Events

Christmas for the Animals – On December 6, zookeepers from John Ball Zoo invite residents to bring gifts from the zoo’s wishlist to the animals. Open 10:00 am to 3:00 pm; free admission with donation.

How to get to this event: Route 12, 50

Ice Skating at Rosa Parks Circle The rink in the heart of Downtown opens on December 5 (weather permitting). Admission is just $1 for kids 17 and under, $2 for everyone else — and skate rentals are free with a photo ID.

How to get to this event: Route 6, 9, 11, 13, 19, 50, Silver Line

Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World – Celebrate the holidays at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park with more than 300,000 lights, 40+ international trees and displays, horse-drawn carriage rides, a magical railway garden, and more. This celebration takes place from November 25 to January 4.

How to get to this event: Route 15

Parades

Wyoming-Kentwood Santa Parade – The South Kent chamber hosts its annual Santa Claus Parade December 6 at 10 a.m. The starting point is 34th Street & South Division, and the parade will continue south along Division to Chase Bank. Afterward, Santa will be available for photos. NOTE: Don’t miss our bus in the parade.

How to get to this event: Route 1 & Silver Line

Winter Wonderland – On December 10, the Downtown Market will host an evening of shopping, carolers and free food demonstrations, along with cookies and crafts for the kids.

How to get to this event: Route 1, 2, 5, Silver Line

Shopping Events

Uptown Shop Hop – On December 4, celebrate the season and support local businesses in Grand Rapids’ Eastown, East Hills, Wealthy Street and East Fulton neighborhoods from 4-10 p.m. Ride the free shuttles and hop from store to store while enjoying carolers, in-store promotions and entertainment.

Riding the bus is a great way to discover local businesses throughout the Grand Rapids metro area. And the holiday season is the perfect time to explore what small shops have to offer. This Saturday, November 29, think local and shop small for Small Business Saturday.

Let The Rapid be your connection to finding great gifts throughout our service area. Here’s our list of great places to shop small this Saturday:

It may not officially be winter on the calendar, but the season’s weather is now upon us. As you ride the bus in the snow and cold, there are a few good habits you can practice to ensure smarter and safer travel this winter. Here are eight bus riding tips for a smoother commute:

1. Dress warmly. Safe winter bus travel begins with warm and visible attire. Since winter road conditions affect all traffic, expecting bus delays means dressing appropriately for the cold. Start with a few layers of warm clothing and don’t forget to wear a hat or hood and gloves. Snow boots are also important for wading through deep snow.

2. Be visible. On dark winter mornings and evenings, it’s important that you make yourself visible to an approaching bus. Signal your presence with a small blinker light or flashlight. If you don’t have any reflective gear, wearing light-color clothing is helpful for ensuring drivers can see you.

3. Stand back. When your bus arrives, be sure to put some distance between you and the vehicle. Icy roads can lead to slipping wheels, so protect yourself by stepping back from the curb or arrival area and farther into the safe zone of the sidewalk.

4. Wait in a cleared place. When weather is heavy, bus stops may be completely covered in snow and ice. If possible, avoid standing knee-deep in snow. Stay comfortable by standing in the nearest cleared area and waving the vehicle down. Rapid bus operators are trained to pick up passengers in driveways or the nearest cleared area during poor weather conditions. Plus, your dry toes will thank you.

5. Step carefully. While our buses feature non-slip floors, it’s important to step with care regardless. Use handrails when boarding the bus to ensure your safety.

6. Expect delays. Winter weather conditions affect all traffic. During these times we are working to get you safely to your destination, and buses move only as quickly as traffic allows. If there is snow or ice, consider taking an earlier bus to ensure that you arrive at your destination on time.

7. Be kind to your driver. Please be respectful to your driver despite delays.If your bus is late, remember that your driver is doing his or her best to make sure you arrive at your destination despite bad road conditions.

8. Stay connected to service information. Before you leave to catch your bus, get the latest updates on detours:

– Check the Alerts & Detours page on ridetherapid.org or m.ridetherapid.org (mobile).
– Track your bus in real time and check public service message on Rapid Connect.
– Call 776-1100 to speak to a Rapid Customer Information Representative.
– Sign up to get route alerts and public service messages to your email inbox or via text message.
– Follow The Rapid on Twitter and/or Facebook.
– Check local TV and radio stations when severe weather conditions occur.

Remember these tips for safer and smarter travel throughout the winter.

This Veterans Day we wanted to share special thank you to all of the veterans that keep us moving here at The Rapid. We’re fortunate to have so many Rapid employees who have previously and continue to serve our country. On Facebook this past week we shared the names and photos of our veterans. Here’s the full list of all of our honored service members:

– Robert (Bob) Bennett – Army, 1974-1994

– Dan Shull – Navy, 1970-1973

– Elza Beard – Marine Corps, 1984-1988

– Abe Riley – Army, 1979-1982

– Ron Prys – Navy, 1968-1973

– Manny Esquivel – Army, 1967-1970

– Jodie Burns – Air Force, 1985-1987

– Donnell Harvey – Air Force, 1981-1985

– Norm Young – Army, 1975-1977

– Robert Olejniczak – Navy, 1983-1993

– Doug Pierce – Air Force, 1975-1979

– Steve Clapp – Army/National Guard, 1986-2008

– William Morrison – Army/National Guard, 1981-Present

– Leon Carrico – Army, 1970-1991

– Jim Archie – Navy, 1983-1989

– Henry Borgeling – Army, 1980-2010

– Betty Hughes – Air Force, 1976 – 1980

– Matt Oudbier – Marines, 2004 – 2012

– Andrew Pardee – Army, 2005 – 2013

– Joe Biven – Army, 2002- 2006

– Dave Krenz – Army, 2002 – 2008

– Erik Zwolinski – Air Force, 2006 – 2010

– Noel Plaska – Army, 1984-2009

We would also like to thank all of the veterans within the Greater Grand Rapids area. We are grateful for your service.

Craft beer, travel destinations, philanthropy — Grand Rapids is no stranger when it comes to topping lists. But transportation is one area that Grand Rapids and its surrounding cities are making waves in that may not be on your radar.

While public transportation and other non-car options may not be the first thing that comes to mind for most Grand Rapidians, people and organizations across the country are looking toward us for great transit lessons. In fact, Next City recently published an article touting why our great city of Grand Rapids earned a place on the “great transit map.” This past year has been a big year for transit in the area. To get you up to speed, here are six things to know about transportation in Grand Rapids:

1. Grand Rapids is home to Michigan’s first bus rapid transit line. We launched the Silver Line on August 25, 2014. Nearly a decade in the making, the Silver Line offers riders rail-like convenience and comfort on a more cost-effective vehicle. The BRT route connects Grand Rapids, Kentwood, and Wyoming, while offering access to several exciting destinations throughout the community.

2. The Vernon J. Ehlers Amtrak Station allows for a multimodal transit hub. Just last week West Michigan took a step toward improving the connection between Grand Rapids and Chicago with the opening of the new Amtrak Station. Named after the former West Michigan congressman, the new station location provided an upgrade for passenger rail riders. Also, the opening of the Vernon J. Ehlers Station ensured that Rapid Central Station would be truly a multimodal transportation center.

3. The Rapid’s unique partnership structure is beneficial. Our board is made up of 15 members from six municipalities in and around Grand Rapids. “We have six municipal governments working side by side, and I think the suburban neighborhoods really get a voice,” said Grand Rapids mayor and Rapid board member George Heartwell. Planning a unified system for everyone has been easier under this structure, he adds, whereas too often urban and suburban agencies collide on parochial interests and fears.

4. Grand Rapids has given a nod to transit-oriented development. In 2002, officials updated the city’s master plan on smart growth principles to encourage development that would public transportation use. Grand Rapids planning director Suzanne Schulz shared two important things to note about this update. One is that the planning commission can now waive all parking requirements for new developments. Second, officials decided that if a developer was in line with the new plan’s overall goals — “if they are building what the city wants,” Schulz says — the approval process can be wildly accelerated. Instead of going through city and planning commission meetings for approval, that developer only needs administrative permission.

5. It’s more than just public transportation, Grand Rapids understands multimodal travel. Aside from big strides in public transportation, Grand Rapids is focused on improving multimodal travel for all citizens. Both citizens and the city as a whole are focused on improving travel options for those not interested in the sole use of a vehicle. You may have noticed bike lanes springing up throughout the city. In a step toward communicating bike safety and the important of multimodal options, the city recently began ticket cars parked in bike lanes.

6. Other cities are looking to Grand Rapid for public transportation wisdom. With all of these great things taking place in Grand Rapids, it’s no surprise that the national Center for Transportation Excellence announced it would hold its 2015 transit initiatives conference there. They even called the city a “learning laboratory for leaders around the country.” Much larger cities across the nation are working to prioritize multimodal transportation options.

“People want transit; they’re demanding transit along with great bike facilities and walkways,” Heartwell says. “It’s good for a city’s growth. It’s good for air quality. And I think it’s going to be good for the city that makes those investments today.”

Calling all foodies! The Silver Line is your connection to delicious and diverse restaurants within the Division Avenue corridor.

All too often public transportation is used in a context that describes a means to live and work. But public transit is also a crucial connection to play. And with the opening of Michigan’s first bus rapid transit line, we’re excited to provide you with a guide to several establishments where you can “play” within close proximity to Silver Line Stations.

For those seeking to “Silver Line & Dine” on authentic Chinese cuisine, look no further than Wei Wei Palace. Just two blocks north of the southbound 44th Street Silver Line Station, Wei Wei is located at 4242 S. Division Avenue, inside the Kim Nhuong Super Store.

Photo courtesy of MLive.

A quick scan of the menu points to everything from barbecue to seafood, and numerous vegetarian options. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or long-time devotee of this hidden gem, there’s a dish for every appetite. Wei Wei’s most notable menu item is Dim Sum, which is only available on Saturday and Sunday. Bonus: Dessert is on the house. Wei Wei offers free sesame rice balls to all patrons.

Planning your trip to Wei Wei Palace is easy with our digital tools. Map your trip via your desktop computer using Rapid Connect or on your smartphone using the myStop app or Google Maps. If you don’t already have a ticket to ride, purchase yours before you board at any ticket vending machine at all Silver Line Stations, Central Station, or any participating locations. Savvy riders should consider purchasing a 1-day pass for $3.00 to get more for your money.

Let the Silver Line be your connection to exploring delicious food around the greater Grand Rapids area.

Touting opportunities for everyone, applicants are not required to have a high school diploma or GED. Simply bring your experience, along with your ability to pass a background check and drug clearance to a job that offers you:

The Manpower Job Fair will take place at Rapid Central Station on Tuesday, October 21st from 10:00am – 3:00pm.

Bonus: We know that great talent knows great talent and we want to reward you! If you refer someone to work for Manpower and they successfully complete their assignment you could potentially earn $100 cash for each referral. Help friends and family find a job and earn money for yourself! Come to the job fair to learn more.

With the Laker Line Study finishing it’s third phase, the plans for Route 50 were unveiled yesterday at a public meeting held at Grand Valley University. The final phase of the study revealed the locally preferred alternative (community-driven results) featuring routing, station locations and the amenities of what will become Grand Rapids’ second bus rapid transit (BRT) system set to roll in 2018.

The consultants for the Laker Line Study were tasked with offering a recommended transit enhancement that takes into account a number of factors including ridership potential, economic development opportunity and estimated project costs. All of these factors will ultimately result in the transit project being competitive in the federal process for funding consideration.

The preliminary recommendations for the 13-mile Laker Line system showcased routing between Grand Valley University and downtown Grand Rapids. Proposed routing for the Laker Line will begin at GVSU’s Kirkhof center in Allendale, travel north to Lake Michigan Drive and east to downtown’s Fulton Street and Monroe Avenue. Buses will then travel north to Medical Mile before terminating at Lafayette Avenue.

The route will feature 14 stations. While a maximum of 13 vehicles will be on a six-minute frequency between them during peak times. This service is closely matched to the current level of service provided on routes 50 and 51.

As ridership continues to grow on 50 and 51 routes, the future Laker Line BRT enhancement will increase efficiency and meet capacity needs within the corridor. Planners expect 13,000 riders each day — a 13 percent increase above existing service.

Similar to the Silver Line, the Laker Line will also utilize signal priority technology to hold lights green. This allows buses to move more efficiently through intersections. There are also dedicated bus-only lanes proposed on GVSU’s campus and Fulton.

The open house held yesterday offered the public one last opportunity for feedback before the formal recommendation process begins. The next steps for the Laker Line Study include the presentation of the locally preferred alternative to the Laker Line Advisory and Policy committees for approval in early November. The Rapid Board is also expected to consider the recommendation at its meeting in December. While an environmental analysis of the results will be competed before the project application can be submitted to the Federal Transit Administration for consideration next fall for funding.

An exhibit highlighting facts and details of a proposed new bus rapid transit line connecting Grand Valley State University’s Allendale campus with Downtown Grand Rapids is on display. The Laker Line Study interactive visual display, pictured below, incorporates the Silver Line bus rapid transit (BRT) station at the corner of Monroe Avenue NW and Louis Street, near Rosa Parks Circle.

A study of enhanced transit options along the existing Route 50 corridor will soon conclude, recommending BRT service connecting GVSU’s Allendale and downtown campuses through downtown to the Medical Mile. More than 11,000 riders currently use the existing Route 50 service daily during GVSU’s academic year, making it The Rapid’s busiest route. BRT service would enhance capacity and travel times over existing bus service, and would incorporate new technologies, such as traffic light prioritization, real-time schedule updates, and smartphone app integration.

• The Laker Line would combine existing Routes 50 and 51 into BRT service.
• BRT offers platform level boarding, prepaid fares, roll-on bicycle accommodations, and traffic signal priority.
• BRT would shorten travel times between campuses by an estimated 5 minutes compared with existing bus service.
• An Instagram “selfie” contest, in which photos uploaded to the social photo sharing site tagged #LakerLine will be entered into a drawing for a free 31-day pass.

The exhibit will be on display through the end of ArtPrize later this month.

If you have boarded the Silver Line, it’s hard to miss the one-of-a-kind seats within the bus rapid transit (BRT) buses. Did you know that these comfortable seats are made right here in Grand Rapids by The American Seating Company?

In fact, all Rapid buses feature seats from American Seating. But with the creation of the Silver Line seats we were offered a special behind-the-scenes look into the entire manufacturing process. Now that the Silver Line has been in motion for more than a month, we’re excited to share this behind-the-scenes at what went into making Michigan’s first BRT. As the transportation authority for the Greater Grand Rapids area, we’re proud to support our local economy by working with American Seating. Here’s a glimpse at how the Silver Line seats were built:

Facts about American Seating:

– American Seating employs a Grand Rapids-based workforce of over 400.
– American Seating purchases 75 percent of its raw materials from Michigan, Ohio and Indiana.
– Ninety-five person of its products are made from domestic content.
– 100 percent of American Seating products are manufactured in the U.S.
– Almost all raw materials used by American Seating are from the U.S.
– More than 75 percent of the nation’s city-service bus seats are made by American Seating.
– Major cities with American Seating bus seats include Chicago, Washington DC, New York, Miama, St. Louis, San Francisco and, of course, The Rapid in Grand Rapids.
– Every 100 sets of bus seats equals 4-6 full-time employees.